PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Easement Vacation for Blue Line Collision at 6710 Highway 10 NW

The City has received an application for a Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit for Blue Line Collision to construct a new facility at 6710 Highway 10 NW (the "Subject Property").  Blue Line Collision currently operates at 6260 Highway 10 NW. However, that parcel is being acquired by Anoka County as a result of planned Highway 10 improvements. When the property was replanted earlier this year, the original drainage and utility easements were left in place.  With the development of the new auto repair facility, the proposed storm water basin is in conflict with the easement and the private utilities located within it.  An Easement Vacation is required for approval, which is the purpose for an additional public hearing on the September 13, 2022 regular City Council meeting agenda.

Staff attempted to notify property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, and to the private utility companies directly of the request for Easement Vacation consideration and the Public Hearing to be held by the City Council on September 13, 2022.  A notice of the Public Hearing was also published in the Anoka County UnionHerald, the City's official newspaper. A copy of the public hearing notice is attached to this case.

Summary
In 2021, the City removed the segment of Dolomite Street between Riverdale Drive and Highway 10 (eliminating the access point onto Highway 10 as part of the preparatory work for the Highway 10 improvements).  Earlier this year, the City vacated that segment of right-of-way.  Concurrent with the easement vacation, the City completed a plat to 'square off' the Subject Property and the property to the east, creating a more developable parcel. 

Blue Line Collision is now proposing to construct a new facility on the Subject Property with a stormwater basin  along the eastern boundary of the parcel.  

Easement Vacation
There is a 10-foot wide drainage and utility easement curving through the eastern boundary of the Subject Property. The easement will have to be vacated for the proposed ponding and parking lot. The City has contacted the local utility companies, and there does appear to be a cable line in the easement that will have to be relocated prior to construction. A copy of their response can be found in the case attachments. A resolution approving the Easement Vacation is attached to this case, and approval of the project Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit are contingent upon approval of the Easement Vacation.

City Code Sections
Section 117-56. - Easement vacation
Section 117-115. - B-2 Highway Business District

Alternatives
Alternative 1: Approve the Easement Vacation as proposed. Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Approve the Easement Vacation with additional changes.  This action would be based on City Council discussion.

Alternative 3: Deny the Easement Vacation based on certain findings. Staff does not support this alternative.

All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibility.

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #22-192 approving an Easement Vacation for the Subject Property.

Adopt Resolution #22-192 approving the Easement Vacation for Blue Line Collision on the Subject Property.